Massive support for daughter and dad transplant team

There has been a massive outpouring of well wishes for local girl Adeva Hillis as she is set to donate a kidney to her father Paul Magill today (Tuesday, March 1).

Adeva’s work colleagues at The Albert Bar and Snugg Restaurant posted on social media to wish her and her dad every success, and in just a few hours were overwhelmed with comments of support for the daughter and dad team.

John Magowan, who owns The Albert along with Ian Curran and Jonathan Maxwell, said: “Adeva’s great and she is looking forward to doing this for her dad.

“We all worked together in the Belmont and then when Ian, Jonathan and myself left and took over The Albert, Adeva came with us.

“I’ve know her for 10 years now and she’s very pleasant, knows her job well and has plenty of craic for the customers.

“Colleagues and patrons have all been wishing her well - everyone is very fond of her.

“We put the post on our Facebook page wishing her all the best at two o’clock on Sunday and by Monday morning it had over 10,400 views, over 300 likes and many comments wishing Adeva and her dad all the very best.

“She was in with us for a meal on Sunday night with her family and she called it ‘the last supper’. She’s in high spirits and she’s very brave.”

Speaking just before going into the hospital for the operation, Adeva was quite composed.

“I think I’ll feel a little more anxious when I go into the hospital, but for now I’m ok,” she said.

“It all started five years ago when my dad was told he had kidney disease.”

Over time Paul’s kidney function started to deteriorate and he was finally told he would need a transplant.

“We all went and got tested to try and find a suitable donor for him,” said Adeva. “I showed as the best match, but there were issues as I’m only 25 and so would be one of the youngest to donate.”

For Adeva, however, she knew straight away she would do it. “Really over the past while my dad has been going down hill quite badly. He has been in and out of the hospital a lot and the tiredness he has felt is unreal.

“With a young family still around him - the youngest is just six years old - they are really missing out as he is so tired so much of the time.”

Unlike Adeva, Paul is feeling a bit more worried about the transplant.

“He just wants it over and done with,” said Adeva.

“I’m just trying to keep him positive.

“I really can’t believe the amount of support there has been and it has also been good to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

Paul has also been overwhelmed by the support.

Thanking everyone for their messages on his Facebook page he said: “It has taken about a year to get to this point and it hasn’t been easy, but with the support of our family and friends we have got through it and I can’t thank Adeva enough for what she is doing for me.

“The next few days are going to be some of the hardest days of our lives but it will all be worth it - thanks again and we will keep you all posted on how we are doing.”